Splendors of the Nile - Itinerary
Marvel at the wonders of ancient Egypt as you travel through the cradle of human history and culture. Drive along the Nile valley through lush green farmland where women wash clothing at the river’s edge, and men work the fields with oxen and wooden plows, just as they did in Biblical times. Visit the Step Pyramid of Zoser, the earliest form of the pyramidal structure, at Sakkara; and at Giza, gaze upon the awe-inspiring mysterious Sphinx, the gigantic lion with a Pharaoh’s head that guards the three great pyramids. Take an optional tour to Abu Simbel to see Ramses II’s temples, carved directly into the face of a cliff. Four enormous statues of Ramses, each 65 feet high, guard the entrance.
In Luxor, begin your Nile cruise. Explore the immensely imposing Temples of Luxor and Karnak where for 2000 years successive kings added monuments and shrines. The Avenue of Ram-headed Sphinxes connects Karnak to the graceful Temple of Luxor, where the entrance is guarded by massive statues of Ramses II. Visit the Valley of the Kings, which serves as the burial grounds for some of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including Tutankhamen. Wander among the 134 columns of the great hypostyle hall – a forest of stone 70 feet high. At the Temple of Kom Ombo, peer into a chamber that still contains mummified crocodiles. View the Aswan High Dam, which provides Egypt’s electricity and has ended the disastrous Nile floods of times past. End in Cairo, a great and modern metropolis where two-wheeled donkey carts travel alongside luxury buses.
The sequence of touring and days may be altered to adjust to religious holidays, special closings of sites, air schedule changes, etc. Hotels listed subject to availability. Meal inclusions may vary by departure.
DAY 1, USA/CAIRO
Step back in time and explore thousands of years of history, legend and lore as you view the timeless wonders of Egypt. Discover the world of the ancient Egyptians as you visit the incomparable sites of the pharaohs - Memphis and Sakkara, the Pyramids of Giza, Luxor and Karnak temples and the tombs on the West Bank of ancient Thebes. Cruise along the legendary Nile River, pass colonnaded temples and stop at the temples of Edfu and Kom Ombo, situated at the crossroads of ancient caravan routes. Return home with a new understanding of this mystical land. (meals aloft)
DAY 2, CAIRO
Gather for a special welcome reception and dinner this evening. (D)
DAY 3, GIZA/MEMPHIS/SAKKARA/CAIRO
This morning travel to nearby Giza to visit one of the seven ancient wonders of the world - the Pyramids of Giza. This afternoon, travel south to visit the site of ancient Memphis, with its 40-foot statue of Ramses II, and Sakkara, where you will see the oldest of all the pyramids, the Step pyramid. (B,D)
DAY 4, CAIRO/LUXOR
Spend the morning discovering the remarkable collections of the Museum of Egyptian Antiquities, including statues, reliefs, sarcophagi and the treasures of the tomb of Tutankhamen. Later, transfer to the airport for your flight to Luxor. (B)
DAY 5, LUXOR
Begin your tour of ancient Thebes as you cross over to the West Bank of the Nile to visit the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut at Deir El Bahari, and the Colossi of Memnon. This afternoon, enjoy a tour of the massive complex of the Temple of Karnak. (B)
DAY 6, LUXOR/BOARD CRUISE SHIP
Return to the West Bank to visit the tombs in the Valley of Nobles and the well-preserved temple complex of Medinet Habu. Embark on your Nile cruise this afternoon. After dinner, return to the Temple of Karnak for the breathtaking sound and light show. (B,L,D)
DAY 7, LUXOR
Your ship sails in the early hours of the morning. Begin sailing down the mighty Nile, arriving in Esna. Continue sailing this afternoon toward Edfu. (B,L,D)
DAY 8, EDFU/KOM OMBO
This morning visit the well-preserved Temple of Horus at Edfu. Following lunch, set sail for Kom Ombo where you will tour the famous double sanctuary. (B,L,D)
DAY 9, ASWAN
Arrive in the Nubian city of Aswan this morning. After lunch on board ship, sail by traditional felucca to Kitchener Island for a stroll through the botanical gardens. Your ship remains in Aswan overnight. (B,L,D)
DAY 10, ASWAN/DISEMBARK CRUISE SHIP
Disembark your ship this morning. Visit the High Dam, the Granite Quarries and the ancient Philae Temple of Isis. (B,D)
DAY 11, ASWAN/CAIRO
In the morning you may choose an optional tour to Abu Simbel. See the extraordinary temples built by Pharaoh Ramses II, which were moved to their present site during construction of the Aswan High Dam. Fly from Aswan to Cairo. Later in the day, enjoy some leisure time in Cairo, or you may choose to visit the fascinating Khan El Khalili bazaar at your leisure. Tonight enjoy a delightful farewell dinner and share your experiences with your fellow travelers! (B,D)
DAY 12, CAIRO/USA
Your tour ends today, leaving you with many pleasant memories of a wonderful vacation. (B)
